A low power consumption type automobile-mounted controller capable of switching so as not to continue power consumption of the automobile-mounted power source when the automobile has not been used over a long term. The low power consumption type automobile-mounted controller comprises: a microcontroller unit having a power supply port, a voltage detection port, a control port, a communication port, and an input port; a first power supply path connected to the automobile-mounted power source through a change-over switch for turning ON/OFF the power supply port; a second power supply path for connecting the power supply port to the automobile-mounted power source through a controllable switch; and power open/close command means for turning ON/OFF the controllable switch in response to a power close command signal or a power open command signal, and operates in such a manner that on receipt of the power open command signal while the first power supply path is intercepted by turning OFF the change-over switch, the power open/close command means turns OFF the controllable switch to intercept the second power supply path.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
1. A low power consumption type automobile-mounted controller, comprising: a microcontroller unit having a power supply port, a voltage detection port, a control port, a communication port, and an input port; a first power supply path connected to an automobile-mounted power source through a change-over switch for turning ON/OFF the power supply port; a second power supply path for connecting the power supply port to the automobile-mounted power source through a controllable switch; and power open/close command means for turning ON/OFF the controllable switch in response to a power close command signal or a power open command signal in such a manner that on receipt of the power open command signal while the first power supply path is intercepted by turning OFF the change-over switch, the power open/close command means turns OFF the controllable switch to intercept the second power supply path.
2. A low power consumption type automobile-mounted controller according to claim 1 , wherein the power open command signal is supplied from another microcontroller unit connected to the microcontroller unit through a communication line.
3. A low power consumption type automobile-mounted controller according to claim 1 , wherein the power open command signal is supplied when a second change-over switch connected to the microcontroller unit is turned ON.
4. A low power consumption type automobile-mounted controller according to claim 1 , wherein the power open command signal is supplied when the change-over switch is turned OFF.
5. A low power consumption type automobile-mounted controller according to claim 1 , wherein the power open command signal is supplied when voltage detection output from voltage detection means of the automobile-mounted power source connected to the second power supply path lowers below a predetermined value.
6. A low power consumption type automobile-mounted controller according to claim 1 , wherein the change-over switch is an ignition switch.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
July 14, 2000
November 5, 2002
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